Heat-wave and sports heat counselling — communication OSCE

Objectives

1. Explain heat stroke versus heat exhaustion in plain language. [6]
2. Teach cool-first field action including cold-water immersion when available. [7]
3. Deliver sports acclimatisation and hydration guidance. [5]
4. Build a toddler heat-wave home plan including never-leave-in-car. [5]
5. Address housing/cooling inequity without shaming. [12] [3]

Candidate brief

12-minute station. Parent present; adolescent may join for part of counselling. No active collapse in the room — this is anticipatory and post-event education after a teammate’s collapse. [5]

Marking anchors

• States CNS change as the emergency discriminator. [6]
• Prioritises cooling over delayed hospital diagnostics when heat stroke is likely. [7]
• Mentions ~10–14 day acclimatisation and activity modification. [5]
• Explicit vehicle safety message for the toddler. [5]
• Offers practical cooling options and recognises structural barriers. [12]
• Uses teach-back for the next training day and the next heat-wave day. [3]

Sample lines

"If a player is confused or collapses in the heat, we treat that as heat stroke — we cool first, ideally in a tub of cold water, while we get emergency help." [7]

"For the first two weeks of hot training, build up gradually, keep water available, and cut sessions when humidity and heat are extreme." [5]

"Never leave your toddler in the car, even for a quick errand. For home heat waves, let's plan drinks, coolest room, damp cloths, and where you can go if the flat stays unsafe." [5] [12]